MPIC holds tribute for teachers

CEBU, Philippines —  The flagship education program of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and its subsidiary companies strengthened its commitment to the Department of Education to empower teachers and enable them to concentrate on their core mission, which is to enhance their expertise and nurture their enthusiasm for elevating the standard of education in the Philippines.

Now on its 16th year, MPIC, together with Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) in partnership with the PLDT Managers’ Club Inc., Gabay Guro held a back-to-back teachers tribute recently featuring the country’s world-class singers and performers all on one stage.

Gabay Guro Grand Gathering 2023 titled “Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat Kay Ma’am at Sir,” showcased celebrities like Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, OPM idols Ogie Alcasid, Jona, Klarisse, Bituin Escalante and other ABS-CBN performers, and huge raffle prizes held on October 14 at the Dolphy Theater inside the ABS-CBN compound, and streamed live to Gabay Guro’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Prizes up for grabs during the event included a brand-new car, cash prizes, and gift products.

It comes on the heels of the highly successful Teachers’ Day celebration called “Together4Teachers” held last October 5 at the Father Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City, Caraga Region in partnership with the Department of Education and Vice President Sara Duterte.

This Gabay Guro kick-off event, which paid tribute to over 3,000 teachers was graced by Senator Imee Marcos and headlined by Gabay Guro artist-advocates Ms. Pops Fernandez, Mark Bautista, Jed Madela, Jona, Daryl Ong, Regina and Ate Gay.

Gabay Guro Chairperson Ms. Chaye Cabal-Revilla said that this year’s Grand Gathering themed –“Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat kay Ma’am at Sir” — is all about honoring and thanking our beloved teachers for their continued service and sacrifices for the benefit of our Filipino youth.

“Our theme rightfully acknowledges and gives due respect to our teachers for the contribution that they make to nation-building.” She adds, “We should really stop calling them unsung heroes, and instead, always recognize and respect how they have touched our lives with their unwavering passion to teach. The Gabay Guro Grand Gathering is our heartfelt gesture of gratitude to all our teachers, and we hope that they look forward to this annual event just as much as we enjoy organizing it and bringing it to them,” Cabal-Revilla added.

MPIC chief executive officer (CEO) and Gabay Guro Chairperson Manny V. Pangilinan, extended his congratulations to our teachers on National Teachers Month and commended the commitment and devotion of our teachers in creating a country of well-educated and enlightened Filipinos.

“Our teachers and educators give hope and ignite a new beginning for our students. We thank them for all that they do and assure them that we are with them in their journey as educators. Together we shall all rise as a better, greater, and stronger Philippines.” said Pangilinan.

During the onsite and virtual grand gathering, Gabay Guro program took the opportunity to present its latest initiatives to its audience of teachers.

Through its Digital Innovations pillar, it introduced the Gabay Guro Super App to help teachers gain easier access to online teaching resources and tools.  Now, Gabay Guro teachers will have affordable access to healthcare, anytime, anywhere with the Healthcare mega app, Mwell. It’s a fitting gift of wellness for teachers with its holistic wellness support for them to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities.

Since 2007, Gabay Guro has been empowering teachers across the country through its 8 Key Pillars of Learning, which were all identified to reinforce PLDT and Smart’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG #4 Quality Education. Aside from hosting the annual Grand Gathering and Regional Teacherfests through the Teachers’ Tribute pillar, Gabay Guro also supports teachers through scholarships, connectivity and computerization, Classroom donations; Teachers’ Training; Livelihood; Digital Innovations; and Healthcare and Wellness

It has supported more than 3,000 scholars pursuing a degree in education.

At present, the Gabay Guro Super App has already been downloaded by more than 100,000 teachers nationwide.

Gabay Guro has distributed over a thousand laptops, digital accessories, and broadband connectivity to support over 70 partner schools across 29 municipalities. Likewise, 21 cities and municipalities have benefited from the provision of double classroom facilities.

Gabay Guro has provided more than a thousand laptops, digital accessories, and broadband connectivity to over 70 partner schools in 29 municipalities. About 21 beneficiary cities and municipalities are also enjoying double classrooms.

For its teachers’ training initiative, Gabay Guro has been able to train over 50,000 teachers through face-to-face seminar workshops in almost 100 localities around the country.

While 5,000 teachers have also accessed the various livelihood and entrepreneurship programs.

As part of its health and wellness initiative, Gabay Guro has collaborated with mWell to bring the Philippines’ pioneering fully integrated and digitally accessible health and wellness app within easy reach of teachers.